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March 2021 Virtual Student Spotlight

Muhammad Didan Fahrezi Iew Presentation Desa Cikembang Bandung West Ja

Muhammad “Didan” Fahrezi (YES 2020-2021, Indonesia, virtually placed with PAX in Kearneysville, WV) is a fantastic ambassador for Indonesia and the YES program, full of enthusiasm, ambition, and curiosity. His desire to learn and immerse himself in U.S. culture and relationships shines through every virtual platform. 

From the start of the Virtual Program, Didan has participated in all the virtual activities with his host family, the Elmores of Kearneysville, WV. “We connected with him from the first meeting,” says host mom Amy. They have shared their cultures, food, and holiday traditions (such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), and discussed topics from climate differences to American high school. Didan’s host family has taken him on virtual tours of their community, and he even experienced a virtual snow day. Didan has also established a great relationship with his three host siblings, Anna, Heidi, and Scott. He is especially thankful to his host brother Scott, who responds to his many questions, and introduces him to his friends.  

Muhammad Didan Fahrezi And Hmom Amy Elmore
Didan with his host mom, Amy

Didan also enjoys communicating with his virtual pal Lily, who speaks with him about all aspects of American culture and introduced him to his new favorite TV series, “Outer Banks.” Lily and her family surprised him by shipping to Indonesia a package of American candy.  

The difference in time zones has not kept Didan from his encounters with Americans, even if he has to wake up at 5:00 in the morning or stay up very late at night. Didan has participated in all his scheduled enhancement activities and even exceeded the program’s requirements.

Didan participated in the “Peer to Peer” program with International Baccalaureate (IB) students in Michigan. Along with other FLEX and YES students hosted by PAX and American peers of the IB school, he started a mental health virtual project, which features an Instagram account, @_globalpositivity, to advocate for mental health. Didan has been a great contributor to PAX press and social media; you can view his submission in honor of International Education Week (IEW, November 16-20) here.

Muhammad Didan Fahrezi Cultural Values Discussion With Lc
Didan discussing cultural values with his local coordinator

Didan continued to deliver his cultural presentations beyond IEW. On December 14, he presented to the first graders of Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Maryland, where his virtual pal Lily’s father is the principal. Didan said it was great fun to talk to the first graders about his country’s traditions. “They asked so many questions. They asked if there’s Hanukkah in Indonesia, what animals live here, and if there’s snow here. This has easily been my best moment in my virtual exchange so far.”  

Didan said that although his exchange year is drastically different from what he had originally dreamed it would be, he is very thankful for the opportunities and the friendships he has made. “It will help me for my future, because the lessons that I get from all the webinars, projects, and discussions will be very useful, and I am very thankful to PAX and the YES Program. Now, I know more about America,” says Didan. He added, “My English has improved since the start of the program, and I have made so many friends. I also know much more about mental health issues thanks to the “Peer to Peer” program. Inam excited to continue learning in the coming months and look forward to the rest of the program.” 


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